Tactical Operations Controller

Vista Global•Columbus, OH

About The Position

The Tactical Operations Controller streamlines and improves communication between the Operations Control Center (OCC) and flight crews. Reporting to the Head of OCC, this role keeps crews informed and addresses operational questions and needs promptly. The position monitors daily flight activity, verifies flight details and readiness, coordinates tactical responses to operational changes and irregularities, and communicates with crews, OCC, account management/customer service, handlers, airports, and authorities as needed. The role requires flexibility to work a variety of shifts, including overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays. Vista America is an operating partner of Vista, a global aviation ecosystem with a workforce of 4,000 aviation professionals that has flown to 187 countries. The affiliated operating partners are equal opportunity employers and prohibit discrimination and harassment based on protected categories. Employees hired in the United States must verify identity and work eligibility and complete the required employment eligibility verification form.

Requirements

At least 2 years of experience in a commercial aviation operations environment in Flight Operations, Ground Operations/Trip Planning, Crew and/or Aircraft Scheduling, or a combination of these areas.
Entrepreneurial skills, a professional attitude, and strong business acumen.
Team-oriented, proactive, service-driven, and able to think outside the box.
Strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills.
High customer/service orientation and cross-cultural understanding.
Proficiency with computer systems, including the MS Office Suite.
Worldwide flight and/or ground operations experience.
Flexibility to work a variety of shifts, including overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays.
Demonstrated proficiency in planning and organizing work, interpersonal communication, collaboration, delivering consistent results, and job/technical knowledge.

Nice To Haves

Aviation-related studies and/or degree.
Flight Dispatch License or Commercial Pilot License.

Responsibilities

Ensure timely and efficient communication between crew, OCC, and AM/CS.
Confirm flight details in GV, including slots, permits, flight plan filing times, delivery of flight packages to crews, and last-minute flight plan adjustments.
Ensure crews acknowledge briefings and make phone calls about time-sensitive changes to tasking.
Update and maintain the daily tactical log and maintain an overview of the day’s flights.
Monitor crew briefing acknowledgements and make crew activations or wake-up calls in accordance with applicable AOC procedures.
Before sensitive ferry or revenue flights, check crew and aircraft readiness and confirm handling, fuel, and catering arrangements.
Raise alerts promptly when something may affect a trip.
Communicate aircraft movements to handlers, airports, or authorities such as CBP as required.
Monitor non-ETOPS flights for significant enroute weather changes, volcanic activity, and alternate aerodrome suitability; notify the Duty Manager immediately for follow-up when appropriate.
Ensure GV contains appropriate movement records to trigger automated movement messages.
Maintain an overview of flight movements and inform relevant parties of deviations.
Monitor and respond to phone calls, emails, and Webex chat messages.
Communicate delays and deviations to OCC and AM/CS as soon as possible, including those caused by weather, ATC regulations, maintenance, or other issues.
Gather relevant information and initiate an IRT call according to the ERP when applicable.
Review flight logs for verification.
Handle day-of irregular operations promptly in coordination with the Duty Manager and relevant teams.
Manage ATFM restrictions, flight rerouting, ATS flight plan management, and weather monitoring.
Manage ground arrangements and permits pending for the day of flight or otherwise falling within tactical preparation, including close-out messages and ETA updates to CBP.